Monday, October 27, 2008

Bills, bills and more bills, not to mention the calls from the agencies hassling you day and night about forgetting to pay your bill this month. Before you know it you're fighting with your spouse, the kids are crying and you're packing your bags leaving to stay with your mother.

It is not easy to feel the daily stress of being in a debt. It has been proven that high amounts of stress cause our body, mind and spirit to feel unwell while virtually killing us at a faster rate. The health issues are on the rise each year as the current tough economy and rising costs of living seem to be leading us to increasing debt stress.

According to an index tied to the AP-AOL survey, stress is on the rise by 14 percent this year than in 2004.

The people reporting high debt stress in the poll are:
27 percent of people had ulcers or digestive tract problems compared to those at 8 percent with low levels of debt stress.
44 percent had headaches and migraines, compared with the 15 percent with low stress.
23 - 29 percent suffered severe depression and anxiety, compared with 4 percent with low stress levels.
6 percent reported heart attacks, which is double the rate for those with low stress.
And more then half at 51 percent had muscle tensions including lower back pain, compare to the 31 percent with lower stress levels.

Our lives are virtually turned upside down when it comes to the results stress causes. It is not surprising the levels of foreclosures and financial bankruptcy have gone up, but also family issues with counselling and divorce levels on the rise as well. All these issues are due to stress and lack of ability to maintain our bodies calm and stress free.

Medical research studies suggest that most of these symptoms reported in the poll are in fact typical of chronic stress. Our bodies, magnificently as they are built, react releasing adrenaline called Cortisol from the adrenal gland that is often referred to as the stress hormone. It increases the blood pressure and blood sugar while it reduces the body's immune responses.

Adrenaline helps you react fast in a needed emergency, however if the body stays in this high gear for too long, those chemicals can cause physical havoc on numerous systems in the human body. Everything from blood pressure rising to dangerous levels, unstable heart rates and palpitations, memory loss, mood, digestion and even our immune systems are all affected.

Credit cards, car loans, mortgages and student loans cause such havoc on our lives. So how do we reduce stress while being in a debt? Studies suggest that exercising minimum of 3 times per week can reduce stress levels. There are many forms of exercise such as running, hiking, mountain climbing, taking walks, riding your bicycle and even taking a one hour yoga class to teach you some breathing and relaxation techniques, while listening to music also reduces stress.

Every little bit that we can do to help our bodies reduce stress counts for something. The debts are something we have to live with, so why fight it. Learning how to deal with stress and reducing it, is something we have in our power. In the end, not only we will live a happier more enjoyable life in a healthy body, but also increase our longevity.

Debt stress does not have to be a winner in the end. Three months ago my husband lost his job. I had no clue what was going to happen and how long he was going to be unemployed. Between our mortgage, car loan, huge house tax and credit card bills we barely had much left for food.

One thing I knew for sure was that I wasn't going to let this affect our marriage. We talked about our feelings almost daily and some days were easier then others. Having two small children, we explained to them about going places for a while will have to be put on hold. There were few juicy days of fiery fury I have to say and even though it was very tough and we got behind on so many bills, we made it through.

Within 2 weeks of his job loss, we both started exercising and even purchased bicycles with our credit card. We took more evening walks for fresh air and to clear the mind. And while it may have not been that wise to increase our credit card bill, we even went camping for a total of 4 weeks this summer. It took my husband three months to find employment and while giving us the ability to deal with our debt issues together, we have learned a lot about each other and ourselves. Three months later we are not only fit but also much happier and healthier. And, even though we are still in debt our stress is not as bad as it used to be prior to his job loss.

Friday, October 24, 2008

Despite judgements I sometimes getMy mind is forever clearly setTo write my thoughts with no worryPeacefully constructed there is no hurryAs I catch a glimpse of fearless furryTo the last drop of my sweatRejuvenating is my betI surrender albeit

I win over and over with no set placeThis never-ending blissful raceOf words strung gently on razor wiresLike gemstones glowing inside the firesPriceless diamonds, rubies and sapphiresOf the greatest value are my wordsAs I whisper new rhymesIn daily chords

The cover of novelist been long time blownI write for entertainment purely ownThough some think I am a fresh conscriptLiving in-between this vast imagination riftWith fire I write, passion ever so swiftPure and meaningful are my lyricsWith no attention paidTo belittling critics

Messages constructed are daily writtenAs I sit to write entirely smittenRelaxed by the fire and chestnuts roastingWith another new poem so proudly boastingAnd with delicious red wine for toastingI celebrate my gift with prideAmongst this talent so vastWith others by my side

Tuesday, October 21, 2008

After a year of intense shopping and finally from personal experience I absolutely love the tent pop up trailers. I find the 10-foot box is great (average size) where the 8-foot box was a little too small for us, but could be awesome for an elderly couple or beginners. There are also 12 and 14-foot box trailer sizes, which I can see us totally moving up to eventually. Our research and search for a great buy didn't come so easily. We not only paid attention to safety, quality and durability but also the trailer size and affordability. Having two small kids we had to pay attention to safety first but also our budget.

There are many hard top pop up campers that remain fairly large with few cubicles to extend. Those however I find create an extra expense to pull behind your vehicle, not to mention you need a larger vehicle like a V8 to pull one of those. They are not only larger and more expensive to pull, they will also cost more to store over winters. With the gas prices always fluctuating and increasing we wanted something foldable and light weight and a unit that once folded could fit into our garage to save on storage fees. I think the pop up tent campers are a way to go. It is however only a personal preference.

While shopping for the tent trailer we have come across a few brands that lacked the safety features, which were very important to us. One of these features is the security of the pull out beds sides remaining in place. Many newer campers have a Velcro type under fold on all three sides and a bungee cord for additional safety, where some other campers use only the bungee cord. In many studied and personal friend cases, children have fallen out of the beds in the middle of the night or while going to bed during some silly kid fun with only the bungee cord trailer styles. The Velcro ensures all 3 sides are firmly in place with no chance of falling out. Many models are now quickly changing these safety features.

Another issue while we were shopping was the smell inside the camper when the unit was close to and over 10 years old or so. The smell of mold and mildew is very strong and noticeable and therefore it was present and evident. Tent trailers are prone to mold due to the canvas tent structure of the camper. It is hard to remove the smell of mold and we have found many folks camouflaging the smell with mothballs, so be on a look out when purchasing an older model. This is the only way to cover up the smell of mold as the mothballs are pungent and strong.

We have purchased a Rockwood 10 foot box camper, slightly used as it was 3 years old and are quite satisfied. Being only 3 years old it was in excellent shape, very clean slightly used. The unit can run on 3 separate things such as propane, battery and electrical when reserving electrical sites. There is ample of space inside for sleeping with one queen and two double beds for our family of four. The camper has plenty of storage and cupboards and lots of counter space. It has a sink with a huge 25-gallon water tank, furnace, 3-way fridge, luxury heated beds and fold down bench seat with a table that turns into a double bed (this one not heated). It has fans for each end of the beds and plenty of electrical outlets. There is an attachment for indoor or outdoor propane stove cook top, which I strongly suggest using only outside. The smell vapours and grease of cooked food can quickly get into the fabrics and will always remain.

We have used out tent trailer all summer and we are absolutely in love with it. Moving up from a tent while always blowing up our mattresses to sleep on, bringing the gear up from the basement and then back again after use was a chore on it's own. Having the tent trailer is like moving from a cheap motel to a first class hotel. We are now packed and ready to go within an hour taking our clothes and food. I love it.

Once the camper is folded down while the small access door still remains open, there is a ton of storage inside it to place all additional items needed. Our pots and dishes, sleeping bags, lawn chairs, additional secondary barbecue, fishing rods and tackle, pillows and extra blankets all remain in the trailer and there is still more storage space. It not only creates for a quicker pack-n'-go weekends, it also created additional space in our basement where all the camping gear used to be stored. This is also a huge bonus.

After feeling and experiencing first hand our tent popup trailer I can with confidence and assurance say I don't think I will ever use our tent again.

Monday, October 20, 2008

What is a name without proof of quality? I do not believe that a name brand is always better than a generic however in many situations it is the case. In whichever case, the quality is what everyone is after. I have found many times the generic brand to be equally adequate if not even better then the name brand. This however does not fit every category of products.

Name brands not only cost a lot more money, they are not always necessarily better. Many times the exact product is used with different labelling as manufacturers use the overflow or excess of the product made and either sell it to or label it under a generic grocery brand. This is to ensure sales of both high and low end of the consumer market. Now in this case I am speaking of canned food. I seldom buy name brand just for the sake of it. In most cases I pay attention to the price and where it was made. Sticking mostly to local and neighbouring manufacturer countries such as Canada and US is a personal preference. Then I ensure I am getting the nutrients I am after and I compare ingredients, fat contents, cholesterol, sodium and other important things to my family and me. The same concept goes for fresh vegetables and fruits. I pay attention to prices, local freshness and not the name brand higher jacked costs.

Needless to say, I find that in many other cases such as clothing for example T-shirts, sweats, dresses and jeans I do prefer certain tag names. The item does not have to have an exposed advertising label for everyone to know what I am wearing, but it is merely for personal preference. Not only I know I am getting the quality I am used to but am also paying for the durability and even lifespan of my clothing. With some generic brands the fabrics easily tears, fades and wears out fast. This also includes jeans. I have in the past purchased generic department store jeans and soon found them fading, fraying and falling apart. It is worthwhile sometimes to spend the extra buck for the higher quality and in this case let it be the tag.

Not everyone can afford name brand prices these days including myself. I find many of my clothing fashion in the local second hand shops where I do inspect for quality, no wears and tears, and of course the tag to see the manufacturer or name. Even though the items are gently worn, I know I will get a lot of wear out of it just from past experiences. The same goes for my kids clothing. They not only grow so fast and within 6 months the item no longer fits, they are also very careless with their garments and I cannot justify spending outrageous cash on clothing. I do however ensure they are high quality, again my trusted brands even if gently worn.

The same goes for foot ware. Our feet are so important to us. I absolutely refuse to wear generic "cheap" foot ware. They not only have poor arch supports, they are often made of lower quality materials and your feet soon sweat and become sore. Flat foot ware and poor arch support shoes are very bad for your back and your entire posture and body can suffer. I have personally gone into both ends of shoe shopping of the high and low quality, and proper shoes is one area where I will most certainly splurge on especially if they are a name I trust.

With that said in conclusion, I do pay attention to name brand prices and products. From personal experience I guess from what I wear to what I eat. Are all name brands better? I think not.

Friday, October 17, 2008

Many people would like to change the look of their living space; however purchasing a new sofa every year to spice up the area is not always affordable. Making slipcovers for sofas and worn down furniture isn't as hard as people think. It is a trendy way to quickly change the look and slip covering your family room sofa, which will extend the life of your piece. Slipcovers are also a great way to hide sofa stains or the worn out look of them and also keep furniture clean for resale value.

The shapes that are easiest to work with are square finished or arched finished armrests and simple, sleek shapes of fronts and backs. More ornate, fluffy and frilly sofas are not impossible to slipcover, they just may take longer then those simple designs.

It is important you get enough fabric material to make your slipcover. You can find great buys at the clearance bins at your local fabric store, just ensure they have plenty of it in case you need to return for more. Best types of fabrics are those made of 50% polyester, since 100% cotton sometimes continues to shrink with few washes. Another important thing to keep in mind when buying slipcover fabric is the weight. Do not purchase a heavy thick fabric. Those are meant to reupholster furniture. A medium weight fabric is great and ensures durability and life of your cover. Also, do not use very thin and lightweight fabrics with silky based thread line. Those easily tear and don't last long. Ensure you purchase a strong thread such as nylon preferably as it does not shrink and is stronger then cotton based threads. Strong thread will just ensure the stitching will not rip with your daily use.

Making slipcovers for your sofa:Once you have chosen the fabric of your liking, it is important to wash the entire fabric before you begin any sewing and cutting. This is to ensure shrinkage has taken place. There is nothing worse then investing all this time and money to make a slipcover, just to have it shrink after your first wash.

To begin making a cover for your sofa, remove all the cushions and fitted sofa cushions off your furniture. Turn the fabric raw side up, not the finished face side and drape it over your sofa. With smooth gentle strokes fit the corners into place at the back, bottom and sides, while allowing the fabric run all the way to the bottom of your sofa at the back and front. (This is how much fabric you need to cover the entire piece) Tuck into the creases of your sofa just about an inch or two, to ensure a snug fit once finished and reversed.
Using pins, carefully start pinning the outline of your sofa starting at the top along the side all the way down to the floor, pinning two pieces of fabric coming together.

Once you have done so, the back is now in place and should not move on you while you work on the front and sides. The reason for starting with the back is sofas are mostly simple straight backed and it just makes it easier to work with. The next step is to smooth out the seat area ensuing the backrest is smoothed as well with the crease at the bottom of the "L" of your sofa. (Again, ensure a small tuck into the corners) Take the extra fabric you have from the side overhanging and using your pins, pin a straight crease following your armrest all the way to the front of your furniture. Don't worry if you have some looser corners, as the cushions (once slip covered) will tighten down the cover once in place.

Follow to pin the entire outline of your sofa design such as, arm rest front and back, just as if you were shaping the sofa ensuring the fabric stays shaped and smoothed by your hand. Once you have pinned the entire outline, you can trim off the larger pieces not needed. This will just allow you to sew your cover more easily. You can trim them off using zigzag scissors, to ensure the fabric does not fray. If you are an experienced sewer you can also finish with a secondary fray stitch on the edges of your cut fabric. Always leave 1 to 2 inches extra fabric. Do not cut too close to the stitches, as you will use the sofa and by sitting on it and the fabric may stretch. Slowly remove the cover and sew the pieces close to your pins, removing your pins as you move along.

When you're finished turn your entire piece inside out and check on the fit over your sofa. Some adjustments may be required and if you got this far, they you will know exactly what to do. Reverse the piece and make your adjustments with your pins and re-sew the area. Even most experienced sewers sometimes need to do this. This is also the time when you make small cuts into "L" shaped corners of your armrests, and places that are inverted. Make the cuts on the reversed side of course not the outside of the cover and again do not come too close to the stitches. Check the bottom of the sofa for length and make your length adjustments. It is all right to leave a puckered effect if you prefer, which means extra fabric is left to drape over the floor. Whichever the case, ensure the edge is folded under and finished to prevent fraying.

Making slipcovers for the cushions of your sofa:Once the slipcover is complete, you can work on your fitted sofa cushions. Measure against your cushions and cut your fabric. Make a pillow style cover (again with raw face showing, this is where you always stitch) and stitch along 3 sides leaving one side open to insert your cushion. Once finished turn it inside out and slip your cushion inside. If they are zippered type, do not worry about putting a zipper on the new slipcover. You can use Velcro either stitching it in place or using fabric adhesive. Simple ties can also be attached to ensure the cover closes snug over the cushions.

Once everything is complete, put your sofa back together using your slipcover and covered cushions. You may have to gently push down into the corners of your sofa to ensure the fabric fits snug all around. Some people use a stick (smooth, broom style pole measured to the length of your sofa) and place is in the back crevice of your entire sofa length in the 1 to 2 inch tuck. This will ensure the fabric stays in place under your fitter cushions.

Your sofa now has a brand new spanking look and/or is protected. Enjoy!

Wednesday, October 8, 2008

Do not be fooled by the stone you seeSaddened, whimpering and missing meAs it does not mean I am far from sightIt is a stamped ticket to my galactic flight
Few words would do whom I am aboutLoving, creating and sure know my poutMy star engraved for our children to reachAs learning from you what I did not teach
Though facet of time is beyond your bendI see you standing now as I did back thenEven if bodily I cannot be touched and feltLive with the aces darling that I was dealt
A poker face I no longer have or needAmity and love with no chance to bleedHeat blankets me within a glorious lightOnly bones lay beneath this stone cold site

Total Pageviews

About Me

I'm an artist, photographer, writer, wife, mother and lover of life. Nature and the elements are behind my inspirations along with many amazing artist out there. I love to create and implement uniqueness in all my photography, abstract paintings, poetry and publishing.